A heartfelt thanks to Susan R. for her comments on Anna Maria’s demonstration at this year’s Lavender Festival (see  cohorestaurant.com/blog. ) Anna Maria put a lot of time into the preparation of the foods for the demonstration, and at the height of the busy summer season, blocking out hours to do yet one more task is always a challenge.  This was definitely a labor of love for her, as she’s happiest when she’s in the kitchen instead of at the computer, and really enjoys sharing her knowledge with others.

For those who missed her presentation, here is one of the recipes she sampled that day.

Hazelnut Encrusted Lavender Chicken

Makes 6 Servings

1 ½ pounds Skinless, boneless chicken breast

1 ½ teaspoon Cardamom pods

1 teaspoon Cumin seeds

2 Tablespoon Organic culinary lavender, ground with mortar and pestle

1 cup Plain yogurt

Juice of ½ lemon

1 teaspoon  Minced fresh garlic

1 teaspoon Fresh grated ginger

Pinch of cayenne

½ cup Breadcrumbs

¼ cup Ground hazelnuts, lightly toasted

2 Tablespoons  All-purpose flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil and butter for sautéing

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 4 pieces.
2. Pound lightly to form even cutlets 2 – 3 inches in diameter
3. Pulse the cardamom and cumin seeds in specie grinder or in mortar and pestle until ground and uniform. Add the lavender.
4. Combine the spice mix with yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger and cayenne.
5. Mix and toss chicken to coat.  Marinate 1 hour or overnight.
6. Mix breadcrumbs, hazelnuts and flour.
7. Season chicken with salt and pepper and dredge with breadcrumbs mixture.
8. Pan fry cutlets in a mixture of oil and butter over medium heat until golden brown, turning once to color both sides.
9. Serve on a pillow of mashed sweet potatoes or with stone fruit chutney.

Chocolate Lovers Can't Resist Coho's Rich Pot de Creme

This dessert will satisfy any chocolate craving.  It is a cross between crème brulée and chocolate pudding – very rich and decadent to say the least!

5 Large egg yolks
5 Tablespoons Sugar
¼ teaspoon Sea salt
1 ½ cup Heavy cream
¾ cup Half and half
10 oz. Bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (Callebaut or Valrhona)
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
1 Tablespoon Brewed espresso coffee
Chantilly cream

1.  Whisk yolks, sugar, and salt until combined.  Add cream and half and half.

2.  Transfer to a sauce pan and heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and the temperature reaches 180ºF.

3.  Place chocolate in a medium bowl.  Pour the egg/sugar mixture over the chocolate and let stand for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate.  Whisk until smooth and then add vanilla and espresso.  Pour into nine 4-ounce ramekins or 18 small espresso cups.

4.  Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate over night.

5.  Allow to stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving and garnish with chantilly cream.

To Make Chantilly Cream:

½ cup Heavy cream
2 teaspoon Sugar
½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

1.  Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and beat until barely stiff.